“Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan” Review: A Funny & Uplifting Film That Genuinely Works

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is not just another film to have hit the Indian box-office. It is different in so many beautiful and progressive ways. Intentionally or unintentionally, Bollywood has more often than not trivialized the issue of homosexuality by presenting the community in a certain way. Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan tries to achieve what no other Hindi film has ever achieved: to look at the community without any prejudice and fill the narrative with fun, humour and a little bit of messaging. Here is what STARBIZ reviewer has to say about the genre-defining movie.

Story: Set in the city of Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan revolves around Aman Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar) and Kartik Singh (Ayushmann Khurranna) who work in the capital city of Delhi and are in a steady relationship. Since Delhi is a metropolis, most of people are open to the idea of same-sex relationships and Aman and Kartik never face any discrimination for being in love. However, the problem arises when the couple decides to go back to Allahabad and convince Aman's parents for their approval. What happens next forms the crux of the story.

Critical Analysis: Ayushmann Khurrana is the champion of taking up challenging and taboo subjects. His filmography is filled with such movies wherein he takes on issues like sperm donation, erectile dysfunction, baldness, etc. In his latest offering, he is playing a gay man with utmost ease. Without resorting to any stereotype and gimmick, the actor plays his part with honesty and sensibility.

Most of Bollywood films based on the LGBTQI community have been way too serious in dealing with the theme, but writer-director of SMZS Hitesh Kewalya takes a different route. He infuses humour into the subject and present it in such a manner that you can watch it with your family without having to look elsewhere in any scene, dialogue or visual that plays on the screen. The taut and fluid writing is the main winner here.

Though Ayushmann Khurrana is at the top of his game once again, it is impossible to single out just one performance in the film because every actor has given their blood and sweat to their characters. Jitendra Kumar’s performance is subtle and restrained as his character required it to be so. Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao keep the humour alive throughout. Other actors in the supporting cast are also good.

Final Verdict: Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is embellished with unadulterated fun, incredible performances from the entire cast and rib-tickling one-liners. This is undoubtedly a very important film of our times and hence, it deserves to be watched. It’s a family entertainer, so go with your entire family. I am going with 3.5 stars.

Movie Credits

Banner: Colour Yellow Productions, T-Series Films
Director: Hitesh Kewalya
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Gajraj Rao
Runtime: 117 Minutes
STARBIZ Rating: 3.5 Stars

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